Brisbane, August 11, 2025: Bisma Asif, a 28-year-old Pakistani-origin politician, has made history as the first Muslim member of Queensland’s Parliament — and she’s bringing her heritage to the floor by delivering speeches in Urdu and Punjabi.
Elected in the November 2024 state election, Bisma represents the northern Brisbane seat of Sandgate for the Labor Party. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she migrated to Australia with her family and is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and English — a skill she says helped her connect with the state’s diverse communities during her campaign.
While door-knocking, she switched effortlessly between languages, leaving a lasting impression on residents. “Speaking to voters in their own language changed how they responded to me,” she said.
After taking office, Bisma delivered parts of her parliamentary speeches in Urdu and Punjabi, celebrating her Pakistani and Punjabi roots. She later shared videos of these speeches on Instagram, where they quickly went viral, drawing praise from across the globe for promoting multiculturalism in Australian politics.
For many immigrant families, Bisma’s election is a source of inspiration and pride. She is seen as a role model for young people from diverse backgrounds, showing that language and culture can be powerful tools for political engagement.
As she begins her term, Bisma has pledged to work for all her constituents, focusing on inclusivity, cultural understanding, and positive change in Sandgate and beyond. Her historic victory marks a significant step in reflecting Queensland’s growing multicultural identity.
